Caring for an ageing parent or loved one often starts with one simple question:
How can we help them stay independent at home — safely and with dignity?
For many New Zealand families, the answer lies in home help for older people — a flexible, practical service that supports older people with everyday tasks around the house. Whether it’s doing laundry, preparing a light meal, or just having someone drop by to tidy up and check in, home help can make a real difference.
In this blog, we’ll break down what home help actually involves, how it works in Aotearoa, and how to decide if it’s the right step for your loved one.
What Is “Home Help” for older people?
Home help refers to non-medical support provided in the home. It’s designed to assist older people with day-to-day activities that may have become challenging due to age, illness, or disability.
Unlike personal care or nursing support, home help focuses on tasks like:
- Cleaning and tidying the home
- Doing laundry and changing bed linens
- Light gardening or rubbish removal
- Grocery unpacking or basic kitchen duties
- Helping with technology (phones, remotes, internet)
- Supporting routines and keeping things organised
It’s about maintaining independence, not taking over — allowing your loved one to stay in control of their space while receiving just the right amount of support.
Who Is Home Help For?
Home help is ideal for older people who:
- Live independently but are finding certain tasks difficult
- Are recovering from illness or surgery
- Have family nearby, but need extra practical support
- May be at risk of falls or forgetfulness
- Want to avoid residential care but need a little assistance to manage safely
In many cases, it’s adult children who organise home help for their parents — especially when juggling work, kids, and distance.
What Are the Benefits?
- Peace of Mind: You know someone is checking in, helping out, and noticing if anything changes.
- Maintained Independence: Elders stay in familiar surroundings and routines.
- Improved Wellbeing: A clean, safe, and tidy home supports mental health and reduces stress.
- Flexibility: Services can be tailored to your family’s needs and adjusted over time.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to residential care, home help is often far more affordable — especially when combined with other support.
How Does Home Help Work in NZ?
At Home Carers, we make it simple.
- Free Consultation
We chat with you (and your loved one if possible) to understand what’s needed — no obligation, no pressure.
- Tailored Plan
We create a flexible home help plan based on your loved one’s lifestyle, preferences, and priorities.
- Matching with a Carer
We handpick a friendly, reliable carer — someone who’s practical, kind, and easy to get along with.
- Ongoing Support
We check in regularly and adapt the plan as needed — whether it’s once a week or a few hours each day.
Home help can be combined with other services like wellness checks, meal preparation, or companionship for a more complete care package.
Can You Get Funding?
Yes — some clients may qualify for government-funded home help through a NASC assessment (Needs Assessment and Service Coordination) under Te Whatu Ora. We’re happy to guide you through the process or supplement funded hours with private support as needed.
👉 Learn more about home care funding in NZ
Final Thoughts: Start Small, Start Now
Home help is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to start care early — before crises or burnout happen. It’s a small step that can make a big difference, offering real peace of mind for both you and your loved one.
Ready to Talk?
Let’s chat about what home help could look like for your family.
We’re based in Christchurch and support families across NZ with reliable, compassionate in-home care.
👉 Explore our Home Help services →
👉 Book a free consultation or call 0800 227 686
